Overview of the Bible &

How to StudyRolling Hills Community Church

All bible references come from theNew American Standard Bible NABS unless otherwise notated.

Introduction What is The Story?

The Story is an abridged, chronological Bible that reads like a novel. There are no verse references, and Scripture segments are seamlessly woven together with transition text into a single grand narrative.

Scripture Reading:

Ephesians 6:10-18

The Armor of GodFinally, be strong in the Lord and in the

strength of His might.Put on the full armor of God,

so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.

Ephesians 6:10-18

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of

wickedness in the heavenly places.

Ephesians 6:10-18

Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in

the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.

Ephesians 6:10-18

Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the

breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of

the gospel of peace;

Ephesians 6:10-18

in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to

extinguish all the flaming arrowsof the evil one.

Ephesians 6:10-18

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the

word of God. With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert

with all perseverance and petition for all the saints,

Ephesians 6:10-18

ObjectiveObjective: Get us all into a habit of DAILY BIBLE STUDY

• Salvation (Helmet)• Righteousness (Breastplate)• Truth (Belt)• Faith (Shield)• Word (Sword of the Spirit)• Gospel of Peace (Feet)

Honest questions (answer to yourself)….

1. Have you read the Bible Cover to Cover?Every book, every chapter, every verse, every word

2. Do you read the Bible daily?

Is the Bible Important?

Source: Dr. J. Vernon McGeeGuidelines for the Understanding of the Scripture.

An African prince once asked Queen Victoria

“What is the secret toEngland’s greatness?”

Handing the prince a Bible,she answered

“This is the secret ofEngland’s greatness”

“I have always said, and always will say, that the studious

perusal of the Sacred Volume will make

better citizens,better husbands, and

better fathers.” Thomas Jefferson

Source: Steven GreenThe Bible in America.

Source: Steven GreenThe Bible in America.

Source: Steven GreenThe Bible in America.

Source: Steven GreenThe Bible in America.

Source: Steven GreenThe Bible in America.

In What Way is the Bible Unique?

Source: Dr. J. Vernon McGeeGuidelines for the Understanding of the Scripture.

In What Way is the Bible Unique?

•Dual Authorship•Written by about 40 authors, over a period of 1500 years.

•No collusion between the human authors.•Without Error

In What Way is the Bible Unique?

•Written by men from all walks of life• It’s a God-Book. 2,500 times the Bible says:

• God said…• The Lord has said..• Thus saith the Lord...

In What Way is the Bible Unique?

•The Bible is God’s Communication to Man.•Both divine and human

The Bible is for men as they are.

How do you know the Bibleis from God?

Source: Dr. J. Vernon McGeeGuidelines for the Understanding of the Scripture.

How do you know the Bibleis from God?

1. Preservation2. Archaeology3. Fulfilled Prophecy4. Transformed Lives5. Spirit of God Made it Real

Revelation Inspiration Illumination Interpretatio

nSource: Dr. J. Vernon McGee

Guidelines for the Understanding of the Scripture.

RevelationGod, after He spoke long ago to the

fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has

spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through

whom also He made the world.Hebrews 1:1-2

InspirationAll Scripture is inspired by God and

profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;

so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

Inspiration

for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the

Holy Spirit spoke from God.2 Peter 1:21

Illuminationbut we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery,

the hidden wisdom which God predestined before the ages to our glory;

1 Corinthians 2:7-9

Illumination the wisdom which none of the rulers of this age has understood; for if they had

understood it they would not have crucified the Lord of glory;

1 Corinthians 2:7-9

Illuminationbut just as it is written,

“Things which eye has not seen andear has not heard,

And which have not entered theheart of man,

All that God has prepared for thosewho love Him.”

1 Corinthians 2:7-9

Illumination For to us God revealed them through the

Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God.

1 Corinthians 2:10

Illumination … “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the

Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Matthew 16:15-17

Illumination And Jesus said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father

who is in heaven. …

Matthew 16:15-17

Illumination“O foolish men and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary for the

Christ to suffer these things andto enter into His glory?”

Luke 24:25-27

IlluminationNow He said to them, “These are My

words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses

and the Prophets andthe Psalms must be fulfilled.”

Luke 24:44

Illumination

Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.

Luke 24:45

IlluminationWhich things we also speak, not in words

taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual

thoughts with spiritual words. 1 Corinthians 2:13-14

IlluminationBut a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are

foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are

spiritually appraised.1 Corinthians 2:13-14

Interpretation

Source: Dr. J. Vernon McGeeGuidelines for the Understanding of the Scripture.

Interpretation1. The Overall Purpose2. To Whom the Scripture is Addressed3. The Immediate Context4. Discover what the Original Says5. Interpret the Bible Literally

For Next Week1. Read 1 John everyday (will take about 20 minutes)

2. Read in the Book: • Welcome to The Story – God’s Story• Preface

3. Read Handout – The Heart of the Story and Our Story

2015/2016 Men’s Bible

StudyRolling Hills Community Church

All bible references come from theNew American Standard Bible NABS unless otherwise notated.